The Future of Outsourcing

This book provides a new evolutionary perspective on outsourcing. The traditional prioritization of continuous outsourcing has resulted in increased hidden costs that have sabotaged business profits. As a result of undisciplined outsourcing, businesses have lost a defining characteristic of their success: decision control. In contrast, the ability to combine outsourcing with backsourcing is a winning strategy for business leaders across a broad range of industries. In this book, the author traces the essence of the outsourcing industry as it has evolved over the past two centuries. With compelling case studies from the pharmaceutical, aviation, insurance, and cookware industries, this book moves beyond theorizing. It highlights key insights from some of the leading outsourcing pioneers who helped to define the industry. The case studies demonstrate the evolution of outsourcing, from a past marked by a costly outsourcing approach to a future fueled by the diversification of sourcing for optimal business success. Through the provision of decision models and best practices, this book provides academics and practitioners with tangible steps to implement successful outsourcing and backsourcing strategies. Lazaro A. Mederos is a global strategy leader and outsourcing executive with more than 20 years of international experience helping businesses thrive. He managed country-wide client engagements with IBM Strategic Outsourcing, and ultimately led an IBM organization comprised of more than 700 resources worldwide. Dr. Mederos is the President of the Board of Directors at the Backsourcing Advisory, a think tank community of global outsourcing leaders. He is also deeply engaged in community outreach to support the development of future business leaders. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the United States President’s Volunteer Service Award, as well as the 2018 South Florida Community Leadership Award. Dr. Mederos attained a BBA from Florida International University, USA; MBA from Nova Southeastern University, USA; and a Doctorate of Business Administration from Grenoble École de Management, France.